LBFCC/Baker Memorial Cycle Classic...‘Obeahman’ Jeffrey blows field away in senior segment

LBFCC/Baker Memorial Cycle Classic…‘Obeahman’ Jeffrey blows field away in senior segment

Apr 10, 2017 Sports

– John and Barret are junior and female winners

By Franklin Wilson
Back home following another successful stint on the USA circuit, Raynauth ‘Obeahman’ Jeffrey made an immediate impact on return to the local scene with a commanding victory in 6th annual Baker Memorial Cycling Classic which was held yesterday in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden.

Raynauth ‘Obeahman’ Jeffrey raises his hands in triumph yesterday in Linden. (Franklin Wilson photo)

In the senior category which saw the riders battling over 80 miles, Jeffrey, who chalked up his second win in the six year history of the event, showed his class yet again and in the process halted the winning streak of fellow Team Coco’s member Jamal John who have won the last two road races but had to set for the third place, yesterday.
Jeffrey stopped the clock at Two Hours 25 Minutes 31 Seconds in a race that was blessed with good weather, a bit of overcast skies, sun as well as some rain.
Copping the second place was Team Alanis’ Alanzo Ambrose with United’s Andrew Hicks claiming fourth, the fifth and sixth positions was occupied by Hamza Eastman (Team Coco’s) and Paul De Nobrega (Digicel Team Evolution).
It was clear after the 40 plus riders were sent on their way that Jeffrey meant business as himself, Ambrose, Hicks, John and Deeraj Garbarran went on the break early to the extent that the lead they established virtually defined the final outcome in terms of the top six.
While Garbarran eventually buckled under the pressure to maintain the lead, De Nobrega and Eastman, who were in the chasing second pack, eventually reaped the rewards of consistent pursuing to close out the top six positions.
The race course was by no means easy as required the riders traversing through the Town of Linden before entering the Linden Soesdyke Highway maneuvering two hills, turning back at Moblissa Hill. The senior, junior and veterans Under-50 were required to repeat this route three times before approaching the finish line.

Pacesetters! The top four riders just after the turn back point on lap one yesterday being led by Jamal John, Raynauth Jeffrey, Andrew Hicks, Deeraj Garbarran and Alanzo Ambrose.

United’s Briton John also rode well to come out as the top junior ahead of Jason Cameron and Adealie Hodge.
Hazina Barret rode away with the top female prize with 16 year-old Abigale Jeffrey and last year’s winner Byonka Barker, having to settle for the second and third places respectively.
Junior Niles continued his dominance of the veterans Under-50 category with yet another victory over fierce rival Lear Nunes covering the distance in Two Hours 37 Minutes 46 Seconds; Warren ‘Forty’ Mc Kay occupied the third place.
Veterans Over-50 were required to cover the race route once and it was Andrew Spencer who ended as the winner in 54 Minutes 01 Second ahead of Garfield Lorimer and Kirkwood Kellman.
The Bakers’ Family was on hand to assist with the presentation of cash prizes and trophies and expressed their gratitude to the organizing club, Linden Bauxite Flayers Cycle Club, led by President Okel Arthur for bringing off another successful event which has been growing each year.
They {Bakers Family} has committed to continued support of the event which saw sponsorship coming from the Bakers Family and Friends, Sports Plus Store, Squadra, the Guyana Sports Development Foundation and Clear Waters.